Senior Iranian Official Says Tehran Open to Talks on Limiting Uranium Enrichment
A senior Iranian official has signaled that Tehran is “prepared to discuss limits” on uranium enrichment, though it firmly rejects any demand for total cessation—a “zero enrichment” policy is not on the table.
This shift follows weeks of intensifying conflict. Israel has launched airstrikes at Iran’s nuclear and military facilities.
It can be recalled that President Donald Trump has proposed zero uranium enrichment to Iran through United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, according to Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
JUST IN: President Trump has proposed a NEW deal to Iran via Steve Witkoff, Karoline Leavitt reveals
It’s very simple and straight forward:
✅ NO uranium enrichment
✅ BAR Iran from working toward a nuclear weaponTAKE THE DEAL, IRAN! Last chance! pic.twitter.com/YDPUlDcxiH
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 19, 2025
Middle East Eye reported:
A senior Iranian official has told Reuters that Tehran is prepared to discuss limits on its uranium enrichment programme, but made clear that demands for “zero enrichment” are off the table.
“Such a demand would be undoubtedly rejected, especially now, under Israel’s attacks,” the official said on Friday.
While Iran currently refuses to engage directly with the United States, the official stressed that it sees a growing role for European powers – particularly the E3 group of Britain, France, and Germany.
“We need to hear the E3’s initiative on the nuclear issue,” the official added, suggesting that any progress will depend on Europe’s diplomatic approach amid rising regional tensions.
European foreign ministers—representing the UK, France, Germany, and the EU’s foreign policy chief—have reconvened in Geneva with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, pressing for renewed nuclear diplomacy.
According to the Wall Street Journal, just hours before a critical diplomatic meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, top European leaders have aligned with the United States in calling on Tehran to fully end its uranium enrichment program.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgency of renewed negotiations, saying, “It is absolutely essential to prioritize a return to substantive negotiations, which include nuclear issues to move toward zero enrichment, ballistics to limit Iranian activities and capabilities, and the financing of all the terrorist groups destabilizing the region.”
The news outlet added that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the call, reinforcing Berlin’s demand for zero enrichment as a baseline for any renewed agreement. British officials, while more reserved, have also recently expressed support for eliminating Iran’s enrichment activities.
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